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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Metropolitan Living, long established as the leading authority on modern interiors has compiled a fantastic new collection of one hundred of the best innovative and distinctive interiors featured in their pages - Design 100: The Last Word on Modern Interiors. Cited as "a working sourcebook of great design ideas for home design, even for people who have never read Met Home", it is filled with creative, innovative ideas from some of the leading names in modern design today including Vivienne Tam, Jonathan Adler, Kelly Hoppen and Vicente Wolfe amongst others. With awe-inspiring architecture, distinctive design ideas and even some creative DIY ideas (see the black and white mantle, below) this new book is bound to leave your mind swirling with creative possibilities. Featuring an array of distinctive styles, it challenges the definition of what modern design really is and offers a spectacular selection of beautiful spaces and interesting stories and insights behind each of them.

Modernism is difficult to define because it's not one distinctive style. It can be both minimal and baroque, rectilinear and curvilinear, monochromatic and colourful.

- Fern Simon

Modern is about unexpected juxtapositions.

- Jonathan Adler

Modernism is a perfect response to our hectic, loud and chaotic contemporary life.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

I'm convinced that we can encourage Spring to come a little earlier by infusing the every day with little pops of bright, saturated colour to bring in that wonderful feeling of fresh energy and life.There's one shade that never fails to cheer up even the most incorrigible of curmudgeons - bright happy pink. You almost can't help but smile to see it.

Here are some of my favourite ways to bring a little pop of pink into the everyday-

Bright, plush cushions and textiles against an all white sofa or bedding...

A shot of fresh fuchsia to contrast inside your drab black handbag (or look fresh with a bright white one!) Guaranteed to make paying for your new Spring purchases a little more cheery and finding your wallet at the bottom of your purse a little easier.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

It's amazing how one strong piece can set the tone for an entire space. This large vintage sculptural art in ornate gold could be quite overwhelming in a busier space, but rather than have anything else compete with it, everything else has been left understated - all white walls and trim; delicate, simple pendants rather than a larger chandelier; a beautifully curved dining table and airy Bertoia chairs; and large, framed photography leaned casually against the wall.This breathing space allows this dramatic piece to take centre stage.

Friday, March 25, 2011

I realized an entire week had gone by without a house tour so I thought I'd feature an old favourite. Designer Michael Bargo's New York apartment featured in Domino a few years ago still remains a constant source of inspiration to me. Light and airy but full of interesting character with artfully arranged pieces and framed art throughout.

This really is living large in a small space, although this little studio is limited on floor space, it seems so light and airy. Rather than push the bed off into a corner of the room, he's made it an inviting focal point.

One of my all-time favourite dining nooks maximizes a little corner with faux built in dining banquette. The gallery wall above is simply done with smaller images and crisp matting in a variety of different frames.

In smaller spaces, artfully arranged little vignettes of everyday objects goes such a long way. Simple trays to form cohesive groups and little personal details like a framed piece of art or potted plant make the space feel organized and luxurious.

A simple square frame painted in a glossy black adds a focal point, and ties in the black Eames chair in this otherwise all white and airy space. Such a simple, clever idea (and a very easy DIY idea!). While personally I'm always drawn to simple black and white, this idea could work well in any colour.

Monday, March 21, 2011

At last it's arrived! The most exciting of seasons when the world seems fresh, new and alive with a million possibilities- Spring. A welcome relief from the drudgery of winter bringing a rush of renewed energy and inspiration. Always the perfect time for new projects, a fresh start or even fresh perspective on things.

Friday, March 18, 2011

'A place for everything and everything in place' - a seemingly lofty goal that far too often eludes me despite my best of intentions. This year, however, I was determined to kick my efforts into high gear with just two goals - 'Write it down' and 'Get organized'. While the first is pretty straight forward, my goal of organization has almost left me wondering where to begin. I was delighted when I was introduced to a brand new book 'Clutter Rehab' - the title alone caught my attention immediately. Written by self confessed organizational junkie Laura Wittmann who shares 101 tips on how to conquer clutter and achieve the '"high" that comes from living a life of simplicity and order'.

Filled with handy and inexpensive (and quite often free) tips and tools to create an organized and efficient system in your home and throughout your daily routines. With ideas on 'how to repurpose items for creative storage', or even basic reminders on fool proof techniques we've all experienced before, such as 'invite guests over' (this one always works wonders in my house), I have to say I'm quite excited to start using some of these ideas.

While there's no one quick and easy solution to getting and staying organized, these tips will definitely help to get you on the right track to create a system you'll be able to maintain. This really seems to be an area where most of us struggle a bit and could use a little improvement, so I'm hoping to make this a more regular topic of discussion here and I'd love to hear any tips or tricks you might have to share.

Ulysses Press has been kind enough to offer a copy of of Clutter Rehab to one reader, to enter, please leave a comment below sharing the best piece of organizational advice you've received or alternately the number one area where you'd like to be more organized.

The winner will be drawn at random and notified after March 23rd. Unfortunately this give-away is open to residents of Canada and the US only.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

I've always been an advocate for all-white kitchens and bathrooms - the effect is always so bright and clean feeling, which is exactly what you want in these rooms anyway.

I've filed the room below under 'future dream kitchens', it's so beautifully light and airy in all white. The palette prevents the ornate molding above from looking too stuffy and the antique wood dresser from looking too heavy, instead the contrast between the white walls and cool marble with the warm wood feels more balanced.

In the bathroom, there's a feeling of simplicity and getting down to basics. The lighting fixtures are smaller scaled and understated, giving the focus to the simple, sculptural tub and the collection of vintage mirrors displayed on the wall. Small spriggs in clear bottles on the counter add a pretty, rustic touch.

I was instantly charmed by the new Spring collection from Rifle Paper Co. Bright botanicals and cute little insects inspired by vintage botanical prints, they are a lovely reminder that Spring is just ahead.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I was delighted to stumble across the line Chance by Julia Leach, former Creative Director at Kate Spade. Based on timeless, relaxed classics with a special focus on my favourite of all - stripes.The collection features items such as espadrille sandals, canvas totes and of course, the perfect striped t-shirt. Each is to represent 'relaxed, confident sense of style, a curious spirit, and a more minimalist than maximalist approach to living and dressing'.

Friday, March 11, 2011

I loved these intricate pieces by ceramicist Timeo Sido recently included in Kelly Hoppen's selection for Seek & Adore. Tangled white webs of white clay with a delicate gold trim - so pretty and a little unexpected.As a devoted tea drinking aficionado, I was delighted to see these perfect little tea cups with their smooth white lines and fancy gold handle, just right for adding a little luxury to simple every day moments. One of these belongs on my desk at all times.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Opening the pages of March's House and Home, I was excited to see Christine Ralph's home featured. Unsurprisingly, former Club Monaco executive Christine's home carries the brands signature streamlined aesthetic of modern classics and a heavy use of bold black and white which to me, has always been the perfect formula.

The notion that you can't mix metals is completely wrong! As evidenced here where gold and silver accessories compliment each other beautifully.

There's a wonderful sense of balance in this space. While there are some rather bold choices made - in art and accessories - nothing is overpowering.I think the key to this is keeping in neutral tones and crisp, classic black and white.

The living area features all white walls with the window trim here in black, while in the kitchen the attention goes to the striking black cabinetry balanced with a white countertop and sections of the cabinetry in white. White walls and white trimmed windows let the outdoor light pour in.

I have to say - that's one sexy faucet - simple and sleek in gold, which contrasts with the white marble and glossy black cabinetry. The gold really adds such a feeling of luxury.

I think my very favourite room - the dressing room - so bright, airy and topped off by that spectacular black and gold chandelier.

Quite the little supermodel of a room, it really does look amazing from all angles. The classic architectural details in this Barcelona apartment play so beautifully off the stream lined Barcelona chairs (naturally) and modern coffee table. The mix of modern and traditional in this space makes it so dynamic and interesting. Of course, all white always provides the perfect canvas to let all these little details take centre stage.

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